At a back‑to‑school briefing on Tuesday, Maryland’s top education officials emphasized that the state will not impose uniform limits on classroom screen time. Instead, the Department of Education will watch how individual districts manage technology use and report findings to inform future guidance.
State officials stress parental concerns and early‑grade focus
Superintendent of Schools Carey Wright said she has heard growing worries from parents about the balance between digital instruction and direct teacher interaction. “To me there’s got to be a happy medium,” Wright said, adding that any future policy changes would likely be tied to grade level.
Wright highlighted research suggesting younger learners benefit from reduced screen exposure. “For kindergarten through third grade, that’s where you’re probably going to see, based on a lot of the research that’s out there now, less screen time,” she explained. She noted that children just beginning to decode text need “more face‑to‑face interaction with the teacher and the adults in the room,” stressing that early socialization and communication skills develop through personal interaction.
Board of Education monitors district experiments
Joshua Michael, president of the Maryland State Board of Education, echoed the superintendent’s remarks. He pointed to Baltimore City schools, which have already cut screen time for K‑3 classrooms. “I’m very happy to have less screen time in the classroom,” Michael said, noting that the state will continue to watch those districts closely.
Michael cautioned against a blanket state directive that could later be reversed. “There are some things that technology is really meaningful for, and has really moved the needle for us,” he said. “In other ways, I think we’re getting away from the foundations of social interactions and the core—how we understand teaching and learning.”
Montgomery County launches study
In Montgomery County, the board of education approved a resolution to study the impact of screen time on instruction. The board expects to complete its report by March 2027, providing data that could shape future state recommendations.
While the state will not set mandatory limits, officials said they will compile best practices from districts that have successfully reduced screen exposure for younger students. The goal is to offer guidance that respects parental input, supports early literacy, and acknowledges the role of technology where it adds clear educational value.
What this means for families
Parents can expect continued dialogue with their local school districts about how technology is used in the classroom. Districts that choose to limit screen time for early grades may share their approaches with the state, potentially influencing statewide recommendations. Families concerned about excessive digital instruction are encouraged to attend school board meetings and voice their preferences.
Overall, Maryland’s approach reflects a balance between embracing useful educational technology and preserving the essential human interaction that underpins early learning.
Original reporting: Alexandria, VA News – WTOP News — read the source article.
